German usually uses the apostrophe very sparingly. For possession, it normally does not use an apostrophe, except with certain names ending in s/ss/ß/z/x/ce where the apostrophe marks the missing genitive -s.

Main uses

  • Missing letters in contractions or short forms: German can use an apostrophe where letters are omitted.
  • Names ending in s-like sounds: examples include Thomas’ Auto or Max’ Bücher.
  • To avoid confusion: an apostrophe may be used if the meaning would otherwise be unclear.

What it usually does not do

  • It is not the normal way to show possession in German, unlike English.
  • It is also not used just to make a plural.

About the “double apostrophe”

If you mean two apostrophe marks together or a possessive-looking form like English , that is generally not standard German. German prefers either no apostrophe for possession or a single apostrophe in the special cases above.

If you want, I can also show:

  1. the difference between German apostrophe and English apostrophe , or
  2. a few correct vs incorrect examples.